In view of the increase in tourist traffic and the rising number of new infections since mid-June, the Federal Council has decided to make masks compulsory on public transport – including cable cars – throughout Switzerland for people aged 12 and over. In addition, people entering Switzerland from certain areas must go into quarantine.

A fter the Federal Council had largely lifted the measures to combat the coronavirus epidemic, more people have been using public transport again. In many cases the recommended distance cannot be maintained. “In view of the increased volume of travels and the rising number of infections since mid-June, the Federal Council is stepping up protective measures and, in a landmark decision, has decided to make masks mandatory throughout all public transport,” the Federal Council writes in a press release.

Masks also compulsory on cable cars and ships
Since Monday, 6 July, persons aged 12 and over must wear a mask in trains, trams and buses as well as in cable cars and on ships. Previously, the urgent recommendation was to wear a mask during rush hours in public transport. However, this recommendation was not followed very often.

With its decision, the Federal Council is also reacting to recommendations from experts and the wishes of some cantons. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also recommend wearing a mask if the necessary safety distance cannot be maintained.

Quarantine for travellers from certain areas
Since mid-June, the new coronavirus has repeatedly spread again in Switzerland after infected people from Schengen and non-Schengen countries entered the country. “For this reason, anyone entering Switzerland from certain areas must be placed in quarantine for ten days.” The Federal Office of Public Health keeps a list, which is regularly updated. People concerned will be specifically informed on the plane, in the coach and at border crossings. “They must report to the cantonal authorities upon entry.” Airlines and coach companies have also been instructed not to transport sick passengers.

Restrictions on entry
As of 20 July, the Federal Department of Justice and Police intends to remove Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay as well as the EU states outside the Schengen area (Bulgaria, Ireland, Croatia, Romania and Cyprus) from the list of high-risk countries. China is also to be removed from the list, provided that reciprocity is guaranteed to people travelling from Switzerland.

BASED ON AVS/ANITA MOSER